EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
An aging compact SUV increasingly outdistanced by the competition.
Pros
Standard V6, impressive list of features, low-range transfer case with the 4WD option.
Cons
Harsh suspension, unimpressive brakes, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo space.
What''s New for 2004
The Grand Vitara will be offered in LX and EX trims this year. The EX version gets new alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights and a power sunroof. All models get a hard cover for the spare tire, revised taillights, heated sideview mirrors (excluding the 2WD LX model), body-colored door handles and a panic button on the keyless remote.
Overview
Introduction:
The Grand Vitara is Suzuki''s aging entry into the crowded mini-ute segment. Based on the four-door Vitara, the Grand Vitara is aimed at customers looking for a mini-SUV that''s loaded with amenities usually reserved for the sport-utes of the more expensive midsize class. An impressive list of standard features is packed into the Grand Vitara, which leaves a short list of available options: a four-speed automatic transmission, antilock brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel drive. The Grand Vitara comes equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 165 horsepower with 162 pound-feet of torque. When it was first introduced, this engine was a class leader. However, with the redesign of some of its major competitors and more powerful entries like the Ford Escape and Jeep Liberty, this engine has become merely average. The Ford and Jeep out-power the Grand Vitara by 35 and 45 horsepower, respectively. The Suzuki''s suspension is an independent MacPherson strut design up front and a five-link solid-axle design in the back --- it delivers a controlled ride off-road, but it can be a bit rough-riding on the pavement. The Grand Vitara can be quite cramped in terms of passenger and cargo space. Adults asked to sit in the backseat will likely complain of not having enough legroom. In fact, the Grand Vitara has about six inches less rear legroom than most of its competitors. There''s just 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and all of 50 when they''re folded down -- less than just about every other compact SUV on the market. The biggest advantage the Grand Vitara holds is its stout body-on-frame construction and optional four-wheel drive. But if you really want to go off-road, something like a Nissan Xterra or Jeep Liberty would be a better, albeit more expensive, choice. For all other uses, we think there are numerous other compact SUVs to consider before the Grand Vitara.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Grand Vitara comes in two trim levels -- LX and EX -- with your choice of either two- or four-wheel drive. Both come with plenty of standard equipment, including keyless remote entry; privacy glass; air conditioning with automatic climate control; a CD player; an adjustable center armrest with storage; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; a tilt steering wheel; a cargo cover; split-folding rear seats; cruise control; power windows, doors and locks; and heated mirrors. The EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, foglights and a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Grand Vitara features a 2.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine producing 165 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices consist of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Towing capacity is a meager 1,500 pounds. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 19 mpg for city driving and 21-22 on the highway.
Safety:
The Grand Vitara offers four-wheel ABS as an option. In crash tests conducted by the IIHS, the Grand Vitara received an overall "Acceptable" rating (the second highest possible). Government crash testing resulted in four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impact, and five stars for front- and rear-occupant protection in side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Grand Vitara doesn''t live up to its grand title when it comes to cargo space. The Suzuki''s maximum cargo space of 50.2 cubic feet pales in comparison to the Toyota RAV4 and its 68 cubic feet of cargo space -- both vehicles are virtually the same size on the outside. Passenger space is similarly cramped, and even shorter adults are apt to complain if asked to sit in the backseat. The rest of the cabin design is practical if not attractive, and the materials are of average quality at best.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With an available low-range transfer case, the Grand Vitara has a hill climbing and descending capability not usually found with other compact SUVs. But its low-tech suspension (a five-link rear suspension with a solid axle) degrades ride quality for normal driving conditions. Whether you''re seeking an on- or off-road capable compact SUV, there are superior choices to consider.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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